Gateron Glory Red vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro stand out as two popular options, each catering to different user preferences. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, making them a favored choice for typists who enjoy a light touch and an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are specifically engineered for gamers, featuring a light actuation force and a shortened travel distance that allow for rapid key presses—a critical advantage in competitive gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro's sound profile is noted for its pleasing bassy tone, adding an auditory dimension to the tactile feedback. While both switches offer a linear feel, they cater to distinct needs: the Glory Red for general typing pleasure and the V3 Silver Pro for high-speed gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Gateron Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience while typing. This is largely attributed to nylon's characteristics as a softer plastic. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's greater stiffness. Therefore, while the Glory Red will produce a more muted and rounded sound upon key release, the V3 Silver Pro's key release will be marked by a clearer and brighter auditory signature. This fundamental distinction in the top housing materials will influence not only the sound experience but also the overall typing feedback.
Both switches, however, share a similar bottom housing material—nylon—creating a layer of commonality in their designs. With both switches featuring nylon in their lower housings, typing on either will produce that characteristic deeper and fuller sound profile, particularly noticeable during the bottom-out phase. As the nylon bottom absorbs sound, it prepares the user for a consistent auditory feedback across both models. This shared characteristic reinforces the idea that despite the differing top housing materials, the overall user experience during the act of typing will maintain some uniformity thanks to the nylon bottom housing's effects.
In terms of results and overall sound profile when typing, the differences in top housing materials mean that users can expect contrasting experiences, but not entirely disparate ones due to the common nylon bottom housing. Those who favor a more subdued and less resonant sound may gravitate towards the Gateron Glory Red, while enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced and crisp auditory feedback during keypresses may prefer the Akko V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, the combination of nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users will likely encounter similar foundational sensations, while the distinctive top housing materials allow for personal preferences to be expressed through varied auditory profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch with the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the V3 Silver Pro requires only 40 grams to actuate, making the V3 Silver Pro the lighter option. In terms of bottom out force, the Glory Red's value is unavailable, while the V3 Silver Pro features a bottom out force of 45 grams. Since the bottom out force of the Glory Red is unknown, we can’t directly compare these values, but if we assume it is around or below 45 grams, it may offer a similar bottoming out experience as the V3 Silver Pro. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, particularly for extended use during work or long gaming sessions, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is the more suitable choice. Conversely, those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Gateron Glory Red, especially if its bottom out force aligns closely with the documented values.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, the Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that the Glory Red switch offers a deeper keypress, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feedback when typing or gaming. Conversely, the V3 Silver Pro’s shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, catering to gamers who value rapid response times. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch that offers a bit more depth, the Gateron Glory Red would be the better choice, whereas the Akko V3 Silver Pro caters to those seeking more responsiveness with its shorter actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
The Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red switches provide a more subdued acoustic profile, offering a pleasant and unobtrusive sound that aligns well with users who prefer a quieter typing experience. The sound produced is harmonious, making it suitable for both casual typing and more focused environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches stand out with a high-pitched sound, characterized by a sharp and crisp auditory feedback when pressed. This makes them particularly appealing to gamers who might prefer a distinct auditory cue for each keystroke. However, it's important to note that the overall sound experience can vary widely depending on the keyboard build, including keycap material and board construction.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Gateron Glory Red excels with a smooth keystroke and a gratifying travel distance, making it a joy to type on, especially for long periods. While specific descriptors for its tactile feel weren't detailed, it is implied that the user experience is enjoyable and fluid. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are designed for responsiveness in gaming scenarios; they feature an easy-to-press mechanism that combines gentle resistance with a light actuation force. This contributes to an exceptionally comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue, which complements their creamy and polished characteristics. Overall, they offer a silky sensation that makes typing feel effortless and efficient.
In summary, both the Gateron Glory Red and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches have unique qualities catering to different preferences. While the Glory Red may appeal more to those seeking a smooth and quieter typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro offers a sharper sound profile and a series of tactile advantages that benefit gamers. Your final choice may ultimately depend on your primary use case — whether that’s casual typing or gaming — as each switch type has distinct strengths that cater to these experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you seek a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with minimal effort, the Glory Red may be your ideal choice due to its buttery and polished feel, making it perfect for extended typing sessions or leisurely gaming. However, if you're a gamer looking for an edge in competitive settings where every millisecond counts, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro is designed for you. Its light actuation force, combined with a shortened travel distance, allows for rapid key presses and a sharp, high-pitched sound that can sharpen your focus. In summary, opt for the Glory Red if you favor a more relaxed typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro should be your go-to if gaming performance is your top priority.
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